Indacochea & Asociados

(The following information was supplied by the firm)

Firm Overview:

Built on a unique model of collaboration, innovation and efficiency, Indacochea & Asociados (IA) since 1991 delivers strategic and innovative legal and business solutions for clients, wherever their business take them. IA advises on complex and significant matters offering clients access to unparalleled legal talent, practice experience, and deep knowledge of the industries driving the Bolivian and global economies.
With offices in Santa Cruz de la Sierra major commercial center, in Bolivia and collaborators in all the Country reders legal advice in Corporate, Banking and Finance, Energy and Hydrocarbons, Labor, Intellectual Property, Disputes Resolution and Tax Law. With a fully integrated team, lawyers work seamlessly across practice areas, representing major nationals and international clients.

As Bolivian most innovative law firm, IA has led advancements in the legal profession and effectively adapted to changing client needs. The firm continues to revolution and restructure legal service delivery, driving value for clients through customized legal advice, alternative fee arrangements, creative staffing solutions and process restructuring. IA has developed a series of digital solutions for its sole objective is to generate business opportunities for its clients.

Dedicated to investing in its people and clients IA has an ambitious plan to accelerate professional performance of its lawyers. Undoubtedly, few firms can match IA´s extraordinary client service offered by its talented lawyers with solid academic backgrounds, and top-level advice, while offering a challenging work environment and equal opportunities for all employees.

Main Areas of Practice:
Corporate & Commercial:
Advises local and foreign clients permanently on the best approach to start business in Bolivia from the inception of incorporating the type of entity that best meets the client needs (corporations, pass-through entities, branches, foundations, associations, joint ventures, among others) the customary administration of the entities (minute books, shareholder meetings, assemblies and board meetings, powers of attorney whether foreign or local, etc), mergers and/or acquisitions (including due diligence processes) up to the dissolution and liquidation of companies.

International & Domestic Contracts:
Drafting and negotiation of contracts, both international and domestic, taking always in consideration expediency and client’s needs regarding the business but, also applying its experience in dispute resolution, and other areas such as taxation, antitrust, labour and civil law. Counselling is essential from the perspective of preventing legal contingencies, or successfully overcome them should they arise.

Energy & Natural Resources:
Wide experience and specialised knowledge in oil and gas law and electricity law, allowing to counsel clients whose activities are along the production chain starting with exploration through marketing of production of hydrocarbons, including transportation, and from generation to distribution in the electricity sector. Legal assistance to clients in the above-mentioned sectors for which purpose it negotiates and drafts agreements, including sale of energy resources, services agreements, gas transportation agreements, easement and right-of-way agreements, among others.

Real Estate:
IA has become a preferred reference in real estate counseling due to local and foreign investments mainly regarding malls, hotels and (rural and urban land) acquisitions. Drawing on years of experience and expertise, the firm advises clients in every necessary aspect of real estate contracts and foreign investment law related thereto, in order for them to have a sound corporate structure and undergo profitable transactions in this area. Complex corporate and financing deals are smoothly handled by IA since the firm also focuses on obtaining all municipal licenses, territorial planning, investment projects, drafting of horizontal property contracts, urban map approval and all necessary requirements to convey ownership rights to interested party. Sell-purchase agreements, agrarian title analysis, corporate restructuring and financing, companies buyoffs and share-pledge agreements are day to day legal assistance as well.

Banking & Finance:
Provides legal services to major financing institutions in the largest projects (ie with IDB, CAF, OPIC, KfW, among others), mainly gas and oil transportation projects, executed in Bolivia in the last decades, as well as counseling local and foreign banks. IA gives utmost importance to the issue of conflict of interest, confidentiality and foreign corrupt practice regulations. Likewise, counselled top notch local and international companies in debt reorganisation, leasing and loan agreements, credit lines, bond placing and public offerings.

Labour & Immigration:
With specialised and experienced lawyers, the firm provides consulting services to local and foreign corporations in the compliance of labour and social security regulations, being in charge of the negotiation and drafting of labour agreements, collective bargaining contracts, law suits and in-house working regulations. When client deals with expatriate personnel, IA provides full legal support on all immigration processes and regulatory matters.

Dispute Resolution:
Planning and executing dispute resolution from a broad perspective. Vast experience in commercial arbitration and portfolio recovery. Advise to foreign investors in nationalisation processes and other disputes against the local and national entities.

Tax:
The firm’s specialised tax department advises international and local clients on possible tax contingencies in any specific operation, as well as on tax planning for companies to be incorporated, new firms or projects with long experience which plan further investment or economic deals besides the tax effects on mergers, acquisitions and international operations, tax impacts on financial products and other operations of similar scope.

Languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese and German.

Partners: Ricardo Indacochea SM (+), Mariana Pereira N, Alonso Indacochea P. de Z., Andere Indacochea P. de Z., Anwar El Farah M. and Ana Carola Muñoz A.
Total number of legal practitioners: 22

Key Contacts

Corporate & Commercial:
Alonso Indacochea P. de Z.

International & Domestic Contracts: 
Mariana Pereira, Marcelo Longaric

Energy & Natural Resources: 
Mariana Pereira N.

Real Estate: 
Anwar Farah M.

Banking & Finance: 
Mariana Pereira N, Ana Carola Muñoz A.

Labour & Immigration:
Andere Indacochea P. de Z.

Dispute Resolution:
Marcelo Longaric S.

Tax: Candys Dorado R.

Firm Rankings

Banking & Finance
Band 1

9.0

Capital Markets
Band 2

8.0

Corporate/M&A
Band 1

Dispute Resolution
Band 2

8.0

Energy
Band 1

Energy & Natural Resources
Band 3

7.5

IP
Band 4

5.5

Labour & Employment
Band 2

8.7

Projects
Band 2

8.0

Real Estate
Band 1

Tax
Band 2

8.0

Articles

Navigating the Legal Renaissance

In the realm of legal services, a (not so) silent revolution is underway. An industry traditionally perceived as conservative and technology-averse is now at the forefront of a technological renaissance. I’ve been a lawyer for more than 20 years and currently, I’m the Managing Partner of Indacochea & Asociados in Bolivia so let me say […]

Chat GPT and its Processing of Personal Data

ChatGPT’s versatility has taken the world by storm, but what about the security of your data? The use of personal information has sparked a heated debate about whether OpenAI is just looking to improve its model or if there are hidden business interests. Are we aware of how our data is used? Associate Juan Pablo […]

Redefining Fútbol: The power of legacy

Another game, another goal for Lionel Messi. Seeing the highlights of his games with Inter Miami and the impact he is having on the MLS reminded me of how important legacy is for businesses like this. On a smaller scale but twice as big in my heart, the same happened with Iconekta . Three years of connecting […]

Breaking down the Legal Industry’s Billing Paradigm

The legal profession has long been characterized by billing hours, a practice deeply ingrained in the industry’s DNA and one of the most important KPIs to make Partner. However, as we navigate the digital age, the legal world is gradually shifting toward alternative fee structures, and we all know it. Clients have always ask more […]

The new legal world; zombies and liquids

 Will ChatGPT finally convince us of the need for technological adaptability in the legal world?  A few days ago I read some forecasts, certainly not very encouraging, from the famous academic economist Nouriel Roubini. In his text, he talked about his fears related to the global economy of 2023 and what it holds for us; making special […]

Legaltech categories and the New Law

In the current business world, the role of lawyers has evolved beyond their traditional role in legal advice. I have discussed extensively the concept of the “liquid lawyer,” a term coined by the esteemed Carlos de la Pedraja García-Cosío, that is more relevant than ever given the changes our profession is undergoing. Regardless of the specific title it […]

Theft or creation? The debate on copyright in the era of artificial intelligence in Bolivia

In the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the debate on copyright and intellectual property is the order of the day. This IT advancement raises important questions: Who owns the copyright in machine-generated content? Is it the creator of the AI model, the user who enters the prompt, or the author of the information used to feed […]

If change is constant and adaptability becomes survival, then what is change?

Adapting to Survive: The Evolution of the Legal Industry in the Era of Artificial Intelligence As Charles Darwin once said: “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”. This quote has become increasingly relevant in thoday’s rapidly evolving world, especially in the […]

The Need for Data Treatment Policies

Despite being in the year 2023, Bolivia remains one of the countries that has not yet implemented a specific regulation to regulate, control, and supervise the treatment of personal data by public entities and private individuals in the national territory. This situation occurs when neighboring countries in the region are already discussing the updating of […]

Lack of Tech Cost us Fitipaldi… and Why Lawyers Should Pay Attention To It

The first time I heard about Legal Tech I was networking with colleagues on a IBA Conference held in Rio de Janeiro many years ago. While sipping my caipirinha during the opening ceremony, the conversation shifted to this “futuristic” solution called Legal-Tech. Although I pretended to find the conversation interesting, I just wanted to laugh: […]

The Fintech Overview

We understand Fintech as the use of technology to offer financial products and/or services either through mobile applications and/or web platforms. Fintech encompasses a new wave of companies that reduce costs and simplify procedures, improving the efficiency of these services, favoring financial inclusion and access to credit, payment methods, loans and investments for individuals and/or […]

Clauses and abusive commercial practices in pre-sale contracts for real estate

upreme Decree No. 4732 (hereinafter, the “Decree 4732”) and its regulation were issued by the National Government. This regulation contains provisions aimed at regulating the presence of abusive clauses and commercial practices in contracts of future sale, sale with reservation of title, and other types of real estate pre-sale contracts, under Law No. 453, law […]

Draft Amendment to Digital Services Law

Draft Amendent to Law No 843 According to a report by ASFI between 2016 and 2020 the purchase of digital services such as Netflix, YouTube and Google, rose by 56%. Due to the fact that a large part of these services is provided by foreign persons (natural or legal) without any taxation in the national […]

The Migratory Statute of the Andean Community Enters Into Force

Leonardo Reyes – Associate On May 12, the Andean Community countries decided to approve the Andean Migratory Statute, which regulates the community right of movement and establishes temporary and permanent residence for Andean citizens and their families, as well as permanent extra-community residents in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Here are what we consider the […]

What factors to consider when creating a brand?

Juan Pablo Sanchez – Associate When developing a venture, the entrepreneur or partners are faced with the need to develop an image, a phrase or a combination of both, which allows the client or consumer to identify the values and quality of the product or service offered by the venture. From the definition of the […]

Government Finalizes Details of the Package of Protectionist Labour Regulations as a Gift to Workers

President Arce’s first May 1st is approaching and the Government has already announced that it will celebrate Labor Day in the Department of Santa Cruz with a “gift for workers”. The first thing we must expect is the promulgation of a supreme decree corresponding to the wage increase and the new national minimum wage. Provisions […]

31 years drawing the line to follow in Bolivian legal practice.

The professional has been directing the IA Tax Department since 2016 and is considered a professional reference in the tax area of our country. Objective, timely and excellent communicator, Candys leads the Tax Department where she advises clients on tax and financial planning processes thanks to her level of specialization and experience of more than […]

Candys Dorado is the new partner of Indacochea & Asociados, Abogados.

The professional has been directing the IA Tax Department since 2016 and is considered a professional reference in the tax area of our country. Objective, timely and excellent communicator, Candys leads the Tax Department where she advises clients on tax and financial planning processes thanks to her level of specialization and experience of more than […]

Importance of Good Drafting of Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies

Leonardo Reyes K. – Associate Over the last few years, the use of mobile applications and web pages for the development of commercial activities has become quite strong. Similarly, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, electronic commerce, also known as E-Commerce, has taken giant steps and has become one of the most important means of commerce […]

Early retirement project law

Within the social security regulations, the Dependent and Independent Insured, (hereinafter, Insured) in the managing entities of the Long-Term Social Security, (hereinafter AFP´s) during their working life they are obligated to make monthly monetary contributions in order to have a monthly retirement pension for decent old age, when due to age or health they are […]

Resilience: How did a Bolivian Law Firm make it happen?

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward: you can only connect them looking backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You must trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in […]

Importance of a good wording of the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Over the last few years, the use of mobile applications and web pages for the development of commercial activities has become quite strong. Similarly, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, electronic commerce, also known as E-Commerce, has taken giant steps and has become one of the most important means of commerce in the national and global market. […]

Postpone the registration of your trademark; a very risky bet

We have seen and read quite a bit about how people and businesses were reinventing themselves to stand upright during the pandemic. Unemployment became the reality of many, due to unemployment and time at home resulted in the incubation and take-off – in record time – of many ventures, culinary talents, manual skills (packaging, plants, clothing), […]

Press Releases

Assisted Bolivian shopping franchise MultiCenter acquire local counterpart Home Center Fácil

Azurduy Law, which Indacochea incorporated in June, advised the seller. The deal was announced on 23 July for an undisclosed amount. Through the acquisition, MultiCenter will gain a presence in two major Bolivian cities – La Paz and Cochabamba. The buyer intends to expand Home Center’s product portfolio by incorporating its own offering, while giving customers access […]

08 Aug 2023
Welcomes New Partner, Leonardo Azurduy Saunero

We are pleased to announce the addition of Leonardo Azurduy Saunero as a partner at IA. With extensive experience in advising companies in the commercial, banking and financial sectors, Leonardo will strengthen our team and will contribute significantly to our legal and consulting services. Leonardo has demonstrated throughout his career the excellence valued by IA […]

07 Jun 2023
Indacochea & Asociados: María José Martinez is named Partner

María José graduated summa cum laude from the Private University of Santa Cruz de la Sierra (UPSA), holds a specialization in Negotiation Strategies: Optimization of Results through Collaboration and Conflict Resolution from NYU, Stern School of Business, and is currently pursuing a Diploma in Estate Planning and International Taxation at the Universidad CEMA in Buenos […]

03 Apr 2023
María José Martínez named partner

María José graduated summa cum laude from the Private University of Santa Cruz de la Sierra (UPSA), holds a specialization in Negotiation Strategies: Optimization of Results through Collaboration and Conflict Resolution from NYU, Stern School of Business, and is currently pursuing a Diploma in Estate Planning and International Taxation at the Universidad CEMA in Buenos […]

06 Mar 2023
Alejandra Suarez is Appointed as an Associate At Indacochea & Asociados

Continuing with the organic growth of our team, we are pleased to inform of the hiring of our new Associate who will be part of the Corporate and Real Estate Departments of IA. Alejandra Suarez studied law at the Private University of Santa Cruz de la Sierra (UPSA) graduating with honors. She worked for 4 […]

31 Oct 2022
Indacochea & Asociados: Candys Dorado promoted to partner

The professional has been directing the IA Tax Department since 2016 and is considered a professional reference in the tax area of our country. Objective, timely and excellent communicator, Candys leads the Tax Department where she advises clients on tax and financial planning processes thanks to her level of specialization and experience of more than […]

26 Jan 2022
IA continues to navigate through the digital era consolidating its Legaltech and Startups Department.

IA strengthens its department with the firm commitment of providing comprehensive legal counsel to companies seeking to transform and adapt to the new digital environment. Nowadays and with the constant changes in the business world, being “digital” is no longer an option. With the constant digitization of our society, the need to understand and address the […]

05 Oct 2021
Former Tax Authority Joins Indacochea & Asociados

  13 de abril de 2021 Ex-Executive Director of the Tax Challenges Authority and the National Tax Service, joins as a Senior Associate.  Indacochea & Asociados strengthens its Tax Department with the incorporation of Dolly Salazar. With almost 20 years of experience, she has served as Chief of the Legal Department and District Manager of […]

26 Apr 2021

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